Look Up

from Songs for the Night Seasons by Inglis Fleming

"If the outlook be dark, try the uplook." Good advice this for the sad
and sorrowful in the day of difficulty.

We look around and see the effects of sin on every hand; suffering and trial are
known by those who love the Lord, even as by others who love Him not. Looking
forward, there seems no way of deliverance.

Little wonder is it if men's hearts are "failing them for fear, and for looking
after those things which are coming on the earth." That which seemed sure
and stable is tottering to its fall. The day when all things shall be shaken
appears to have reached its dawn.

Disruption of kingdoms, disturbance of republics, discontent among the peoples
on every side. Where shall the Christian turn? He seems walled around with difficulties.
His "flesh" and his "heart" fail. At such seasons of perplexity
he is happy truly in being among the children of God, for of them it is written, "His
children shall have a place of refuge." Yes, "God Himself is a refuge
for us." "Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart
before Him." Psa. 62:8. There is our resource! "The devil can wall
us round; he cannot roof us in," it has been said quaintly by one, and another
has put it:

If you want to be distracted— look around.
If you want to be miserable— look within.
If you want to be happy— look up.

"The uplook" is clear, however storm-clouds may lower about us. God
IS, and He is for His own. All that He is, is for us. To Him we can
turn in confidence. Never has He failed one of His own. Never will He forsake
the least of those who trust in Him.

His power and wisdom and love are as three pillows upon which we can place our
weary heads amid the clashing and crashing of things present or of things to
come.

"The storm may roar without me,
My heart may low be laid,
But God is round about me,
And can I be dismayed?"

First published as Songs for the Night Seasons by Inglis
Fleming. New York: Loizeaux Bros., [n.d.].